CONTACTS:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
OLDWICK, N.J. - JUNE 21, 2006 12:00 AM (EDT)
A.M. Best Co. has assigned an issuer credit rating (ICR) of "bbb-" to Novae Group Plc (NG) (United Kingdom), the new ultimate non-operating holding company of Novae Syndicates Limited (NSL) and Novae Insurance Company Limited. (See today's related press release on NICL.) At the same time, A.M. Best has upgraded the debt rating to "bbb-" from "bb+" on the GBP 50 million convertible bonds (due in 2008) that have become obligations of NG. Additionally, A.M. Best has affirmed the ICR of "bb+" on Novae Holdings Plc (NH) (formerly known as SVB Holdings Plc) (United Kingdom), the debt ratings of "bb+" on the USD 15 million and USD 10 million floating notes and "bb" on the USD 11 million subordinated floating notes, all due in 2034 and issued by NH. The ratings on the syndicates managed by NSL remain unchanged. The outlook for all these ratings is stable.
The rating of NG reflects its established source of earnings from the group's existing Lloyd's syndicates, in addition to anticipated earnings from NICL, the group's newly established FSA-regulated company. New capital raised to support NICL will be segregated from existing capital supporting the group's Lloyd's business. The upgrade in the GBP 50 million convertible bonds reflects the transfer of this obligation from NH to NG.
For Best's Debt Ratings, all other Best's Ratings, an overview of the rating process and rating methodologies, please visit Best's Debt Ratings.
A.M. Best Co., established in 1899, is the world's oldest and most authoritative insurance rating and information source.